Different dog breeds have varying barking tendencies due to their historical roles and genetic traits. Breeds such as Beagles or Dachshunds, bred for hunting, tend to bark more to alert their human companions. On the other hand, breeds like Basenjis and Shih Tzus, known for being less vocal, were bred for companionship and may not bark as much. Therefore, a dog’s breed can influence its barking behavior.
So, if you don’t like a too-much barking dog or you live in an apartment where excessive barking can become an issue, you are at the right place. These breeds are also perfect for homes with small babies as excessive and loud barking may damage your baby’s ears.
22 of the Quietest Dog Breeds
Basenji
Known as the “barkless dog,” Basenjis make unique sounds described as yodels, but they are generally quiet. They’re intelligent and energetic, bred for hunting in Africa.
- Height: 16-17 inches
- Weight: 22-24 lbs
- Lifespan: 13-14 years
- Kid-friendly: Yes, but best with older children.
- Trainability: Moderate; they are independent thinkers.
- Coat and color: Short and fine coat in colors such as chestnut red, black, brindle, or tricolor.
Italian Greyhound
This breed is quiet and prefers a peaceful environment. Italian Greyhounds are elegant and fast runners, but also enjoy lounging around.
- Height: 13-15 inches
- Weight: 6-10 lbs
- Lifespan: 14-15 years
- Kid-friendly: Yes, but may be better with older children due to their delicate build.
- Trainability: High; they are intelligent but can be stubborn.
- Coat and color: Thin, short coat in various colors and patterns.
Bulldog
Bulldogs are generally calm and quiet, belying their tough exterior. Known for their friendliness and patience, they make excellent family pets.
- Height: 14-15 inches
- Weight: 40-50 lbs
- Lifespan: 8-10 years
- Kid-friendly: Yes, great with children.
- Trainability: Moderate; they can be stubborn but are generally good-natured.
- Coat and color: Short, smooth coat. Comes in a variety of colors and patterns.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
These dogs are generally quiet and have a gentle disposition. Cavaliers are friendly, adaptable to various living conditions, and make excellent companions.
- Height: 12-13 inches
- Weight: 13-18 lbs
- Lifespan: 9-14 years
- Kid-friendly: Yes, excellent with children.
- Trainability: High; they are very eager to please.
- Coat and color: Medium-length silky coat. Four recognized color patterns.
Bernese Mountain Dog
Despite their large size, Bernese Mountain Dogs are calm and tend to be quiet. They are intelligent and very good with families and children.
- Height: 23-27.5 inches
- Weight: 70-115 lbs
- Lifespan: 7-10 years
- Kid-friendly: Yes, excellent with children.
- Trainability: High; they are eager to please.
- Coat and color: Thick, moderately long double coat. Tricolor: black, white, and rust.
Borzoi
Also known as the “Russian Wolfhound,” Borzois are quiet and reserved. They have a noble demeanor and are known for their grace and speed.
- Height: 26-28 inches
- Weight: 60-105 lbs
- Lifespan: 9-14 years
- Kid-friendly: Yes, but best with older children.
- Trainability: Moderate; they are intelligent but somewhat independent.
- Coat and color: Long, silky coat. Comes in any color or combination of colors.
Rhodesian Ridgeback
- Height: 24-27 inches (male), 24-26 inches (female)
- Weight: 70-85 lbs (male), 65-75 lbs (female)
- Lifespan: 10-12 years
- Kid-friendly: Yes, but best with older children due to their size.
- Trainability: Moderate; they are intelligent but can be stubborn.
- Coat and color: Short, dense coat. Light wheaten to red wheaten color.
Bred for lion hunting, they’re usually quiet and reserved at home. Ridgebacks are loyal, intelligent, and require ample exercise.
Afghan Hound
Known for their elegance and long silky coat, Afghan Hounds are generally quiet and somewhat aloof. They are dignified and gentle dogs.
- Height: 25-27 inches (male), 24-26 inches (female)
- Weight: 50-60 lbs
- Lifespan: 12-14 years
- Kid-friendly: Yes, but better with older children.
- Trainability: Low; they are independent and can be aloof.
- Coat and color: Long, fine, silky coat. Comes in a variety of colors.
Chinese Shar-Pei
Known for their distinctive wrinkles, Shar-Peis are usually quiet and reserved. They’re intelligent, loyal, and protective.
- Height: 18-20 inches
- Weight: 45-60 lbs
- Lifespan: 8-12 years
- Kid-friendly: Yes, but best with older children.
- Trainability: Moderate; they are independent and intelligent.
- Coat and color: Short, rough coat that stands off from the body. Comes in a variety of solid colors.
Chow Chow
These unique dogs with blue-black tongues are generally quiet and aloof. Chow Chows are dignified, loyal, and can be somewhat reserved around strangers.
- Height: 17-20 inches
- Weight: 45-70 lbs
- Lifespan: 8-12 years
- Kid-friendly: Yes, but best with older children.
- Trainability: Low; they are independent and stubborn.
- Coat and color: Dense double coat, either smooth or rough. Comes in various solid colors.
Whippet
Whippets are generally quiet and peaceful, often compared to cats in behavior. They are friendly, affectionate, and require regular exercise.
- Height: 18-22 inches
- Weight: 25-40 lbs
- Lifespan: 12-15 years
- Kid-friendly: Yes, great with children.
- Trainability: High: they are eager to please and intelligent.
- Coat and color: Short, smooth coat. Comes in a variety of colors and patterns.
Japanese Chin
Originally bred for Japanese nobility, they’re generally quiet and graceful. Chins are intelligent, friendly, and enjoy being part of family activities.
- Height: 8-11 inches
- Weight: 7-11 lbs
- Lifespan: 10-14 years
- Kid-friendly: Yes, but best with older children due to their small size.
- Trainability: High; they are intelligent and eager to please.
- Coat and color: Long, silky coat. Commonly black and white or red and white.
Newfoundland
Known as “gentle giants,” these large dogs are typically quiet and calm. They’re friendly, patient, and excellent swimmers, often used in water rescue.
- Height: 26-28 inches (male), 24-26 inches (female)
- Weight: 130-150 lbs (male), 100-120 lbs (female)
- Lifespan: 9-10 years
- Kid-friendly: Yes, excellent with children.
- Trainability: High; they are intelligent and eager to please.
- Coat and color: Thick, water-resistant double coat. Commonly black, but can also be brown, gray, or white-and-black.
Great Dane
Despite their large size, Great Danes are generally quiet and calm. They are known for their gentle nature and are compatible with families.
- Height: 30-32 inches (male), 28-30 inches (female)
- Weight: 140-175 lbs (male), 110-140 lbs (female)
- Lifespan: 7-10 years
- Kid-friendly: Yes, excellent with children.
- Trainability: High; they are intelligent and eager to please.
- Coat and color: Short, thick coat. Comes in a variety of colors.
Saint Bernard
Another “gentle giant,” Saint Bernards are generally quiet and patient. They’re known for their friendliness and are famously recognized as rescue dogs.
- Height: 28-30 inches (male), 26-28 inches (female)
- Weight: 140-180 lbs (male), 120-140 lbs (female)
- Lifespan: 8-10 years
- Kid-friendly: Yes, excellent with children.
- Trainability: High; they are eager to please.
- Coat and color: Dense coat, either short-haired or long-haired. Mostly white with red or red with white.
Scottish Deerhound
Bred to hunt red deer, they are quiet, gentle, and polite. Deerhounds are friendly, enjoy outdoor spaces, and have a unique, wiry coat.
- Height: 30-32 inches (male), 28 inches (female)
- Weight: 85-110 lbs (male), 75-95 lbs (female)
- Lifespan: 8-11 years
- Kid-friendly: Yes, great with children.
- Trainability: Moderate; they are intelligent but independent.
- Coat and color: Rough coat, mostly in gray
Saluki
Salukis are generally quiet and reserved. They’re graceful, intelligent, and one of the oldest known breeds of domesticated dogs, used for hunting by nomadic tribes.
- Height: 23-28 inches
- Weight: 40-60 lbs
- Lifespan: 10-17 years
- Kid-friendly: Yes, but better with older children.
- Trainability: Moderate; they are intelligent but can be aloof.
- Coat and color: Smooth or feathered coat. Comes in a variety of colors.
Sussex Spaniel
Known for their long, low build, Sussex Spaniels are generally quiet and calm. They’re friendly and easygoing, and enjoy being part of family activities.
- Height: 13-15 inches
- Weight: 35-45 lbs
- Lifespan: 13-15 years
- Kid-friendly: Yes, great with children.
- Trainability: High; they are eager to please.
- Coat and color: Long, silky, and dense coat. Rich golden liver color.
English Toy Spaniel
These small dogs are generally quiet and prefer a calm environment. They’re friendly, affectionate, and enjoy being in the company of their owners.
- Height: 9-10 inches
- Weight: 8-14 lbs
- Lifespan: 10-12 years
- Kid-friendly: Yes, but better with older children due to their small size.
- Trainability: High; they are eager to please.
- Coat and color: Long, silky coat. Comes in four color varieties.
Lhasa Apso
Originally bred as an indoor sentinel in Tibetan monasteries, Lhasa Apsos are generally quiet and reserved. They’re loyal, independent, and have a distinct long, heavy coat.
- Height: 10-11 inches
- Weight: 12-18 lbs
- Lifespan: 12-15 years
- Kid-friendly: Yes, but best with older children.
- Trainability: Moderate; they are independent and intelligent.
- Coat and color: Long, heavy, straight coat. Comes in a variety of colors.
Clumber Spaniel
Characterized by their low and heavy body, Clumber Spaniels are usually quiet and laid-back. They’re friendly, intelligent, and known for their great sense of smell.
- Height: 17-20 inches
- Weight: 55-85 lbs
- Lifespan: 10-12 years
- Kid-friendly: Yes, excellent with children.
- Trainability: Moderate; they are intelligent but can be stubborn.
- Coat and color: Dense, straight coat. Primarily white with lemon or orange markings.
French Bulldog
Known for their bat-like ears, French Bulldogs are usually quiet and prefer indoor environments. They’re friendly, patient, and enjoy being in the company of their owners.
- Height: 11-12 inches
- Weight: 16-28 lbs
- Lifespan: 10-12 years
- Kid-friendly: Yes, excellent with children.
- Trainability: High; they are eager to please.
- Coat and color: Short, smooth coat. Comes in a variety of colors and patterns.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the quietest dog breed in the world?
The Basenji is often referred to as the quietest dog breed in the world, as it doesn’t bark in the typical way that other dogs do. Instead, they make unique sounds described as yodels or howls, often called “baroos.” However, this doesn’t mean they are silent, as they can still make other noises.
Are there any mute dog breeds?
No breed is naturally mute. All dogs have the capacity to make noise, although the amount and type of noise can vary widely depending on the breed, individual temperament, and specific circumstances.
